Over the River?

Holidays, in general, are times when we think about being with family and friends. Popular bits of holiday culture, like the song alluded to in the title of this blog and various movies -- including the perennial favorite White Christmas, present the warmth and joy that come from being with those we love.

Plans in our household were made to make that happen this year. That would make this year a banner year. As a minister who is involved with services all year, including holiday times, it can be difficult to get away to make the trip to visit family and friends who live elsewhere. This year, though, was going to be different. Leave after service on Sunday; return on Christmas night. Everything was working out perfectly.

AND THEN ... , Friday, the curse of the horseless carriage hit. My advice to all is not to have car trouble on Friday afternoon on the weekend before Christmas. You do not have many options available.

Our alternator died a horrible death. Vicki and I were actually on our way to a repair shop to get it checked before the planned for trip to Tennessee. We had made it about 6 miles down the highway when the engine started to cut out. A wait for the tow truck, a trip to the repair shop, a wait for confirmation of the problem, and then the sticker shock of the repair -- $547. After I started breathing normally again, I realized that this repair blew the budget for the trip.

So, for everyone who is with extended family on Christmas Day, blessings upon you. For those, like us, who are not, blessings upon you too. You probably would have eaten too much anyway.